The words “How to Find a Primary Care Physician” next to a woman having an in-person conversation with her PCP.

Find a Primary Care Physician You Can Depend On

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If your doctor retired, you moved to a new place, or you haven’t had an appointment in years, it can be difficult to find a primary care physician (PCP) who fits your needs. 

A PCP is vital to receiving quality medical care for you and your family members. Not only can they improve your overall wellness but a primary doctor can also save you money on medical costs and help organize referrals for specialized care.

All that said, many Americans don’t know how to find a primary care physician – especially one that meets all their health needs. 

Who Is Considered a Primary Care Provider? 

When people hear the term PCP, they typically think of family doctors who see patients of all ages — but they’re not the only ones. Primary care providers are physicians who offer essential preventative care, diagnose conditions, and treat common medical issues.

Examples of PCPs

    • Physician Assistants
    • Nurse Practitioners
    • Pediatricians 
    • Internists or Internal Medicine Doctors 
    • Family Practice Physicians

Specialists

Doctors who specialize in specific medical fields often work with your primary care physician to determine personalized treatment plans. For example, gynecology and obstetrics are two specialties within women’s health that work in tandem with PCPs for each individual. 

Pediatrics is another unique field that can be considered both a specialist and a primary care physician, because they specialize in children’s general health. 

Finding a Primary Care Doctor  

Finding a new primary care doctor can seem like a daunting process — but, it doesn’t have to be. There are a few important things to look for when searching for a new PCP.

See If They’re Accepting New Patients

There’s nothing worse than finding a doctor you’re excited about and then learning that they’re not currently accepting new patients. To avoid heartbreak, only look at physicians and offices that are. It may seem limiting, but it’s the only way to ensure you can get an appointment once you find the right doctor.

Check With Your Insurance Company

If you have health insurance, reach out and ask for a list of in-network PCPs covered under your insurance plan. You can even request PCPs with specific certifications or within a specific geographic area. If you’re on your plan’s website, some databases allow searches for specific specializations (like family medicine), chronic conditions, and screenings. 

Once you have a list of providers that meet your medical needs, reach out to see if they accept new patients — and if so, schedule your first appointment. 

Ask Friends, Family, and Coworkers

Asking friends and family is a great way to find good providers.

Keep in mind, though, that the providers they suggest might be out-of-network doctors. When calling to inquire, ask the front office staff if they accept your insurance. Another – more surefire – route is to ask coworkers (who are on the same employee health insurance) about the in-network doctors they know and love. 

Check at Hospitals and Medical Centers 

Hospitals often have a care coordinator who can suggest affiliate PCPs in the area. They may even have insight into what PCPs accept new patients and what medical issues they can handle.  

You can also turn to clinics that have an extensive staff. Since they have several healthcare providers housed in one location, they usually accept new patients. And, if they’re an integrated health center, it makes it easier for you to find other services like chiropractic care or even mental health counseling. 

Are They the Right Health Care Provider For You? 

Even if you find a PCP who is accepting new patients, they may not be the one you want to stay with. A good relationship with your PCP is crucial; it directly impacts the quality of care you receive. 

Here are some qualities to look for: 

They Collaborate With You 

A good PCP takes your opinion into account. When drafting your health plan, they work with you, not ignore you or shut you down.

Collaboration is important if you’re going to trust your PCP and receive the care you need. If your PCP isn’t taking the time to get to know you and your health goals, health issues later down the line can become a bigger problem. 

You know your body and your health history better than anyone. The right PCP should acknowledge that and listen to your opinion. 

You Communicate Well 

Listening isn’t the only thing your PCP should be good at – they also need to be able to communicate clearly. 

The medical world is full of a lot of complicated terms and jargon, and a good PCP speaks in a way that is simple, warm, and most importantly, understandable.

They Put You at Ease 

Dealing with your health can be stressful; even a regular checkup can cause anxiety from time to time.

Your PCP should make you feel relaxed, because good healthcare providers are empathetic and caring. They take their time with you during your visit so you feel supported, and the importance of that can’t be understated. 

Why PCPs Are Crucial for Good Healthcare 

PCPs are the cornerstone of wellness. 

Prevention and early detection are key to a long, healthy life. Annual physicals, vaccines, and in-person visits help you catch issues before they become major problems. 

Developing a long-term relationship with a PCP also means your provider knows your medical history. This leads to a higher quality of care, because they know which medications and treatments are effective for you. 

In the end, both your health and your wallet benefit. Regular visits to the PCP lead to fewer visits to urgent care. Plus, you focus on prevention instead of treatment (which means more savings). In fact, seeing a PCP leads to 27% lower healthcare costs every year. 

Find the Care You Deserve

Many people have turned to telehealth and virtual visits because they don’t know how to find a primary care physician in their area. But, while telehealth appointments may work in a pinch, they don’t provide the same benefits as an in-office visit. It’s harder to develop a meaningful relationship with a telehealth doctor – much less get the physical exams that help you stay healthy. 

There are plenty of caring, empathetic PCPs out there who give your well-being the attention it deserves – and help you lead a longer, healthier life. It may take some time and research to find them, but your well-being is worth it.